Vision therapy provides the opportunity to develop visual abilities that have not developed efficiently or are inefficient due to stress on the visual system. VT provides the skills to learn more easily. Special lenses, prisms, equipment, and techniques are the unique tools of Optometry through which we can correct vision dysfunctions by developing and enhancing visual skills like tracking, eye teaming, and eye focusing. Over the course of therapy, patients develop increased control of their visual system through a series of increasingly challenging visual procedures. As they progress, the patient begins to learn how to control their eyes with expanded efficiency. Patients graduate from vision therapy with increased confidence and the ability to perform better in school, sports, and the workplace.

Your eyes are more than just lenses that you look through. They are an extension of your brain. Sight and vision are not the same. Vision is the dominant sense through which we learn and the dominant process of development. Visual processing accounts for 44% of the brain’s energy consumption. At least 80% of what children learn in school comes through their visual system. Vision is observed in how one stands, walks, talks, writes, thinks and in overall personality. “Sight” can be corrected with prescription lenses. “Vision” cannot.

Vision doesn’t just happen. A child’s brain learns how to use eyes to see, just like it learns how to use legs to walk or a mouth to form words. The longer a vision problem goes undiagnosed and untreated, the more a child’s brain learns to accommodate the vision problem. Children with uncorrected vision conditions or eye health problems face many barriers in life … academically … socially … and athletically. High-quality eye care through a behavioral optometrist can break down these barriers and enable your children to reach their highest potential.

Excellent vision starts with seeing clearly but it doesn’t end there. About 10 million children have difficulties with reading. In one study, 51% of children who passed an eye chart screening still had vision problems that affected their ability to perform at their full potential. Focusing skills, eye teaming skills, tracking skills, peripheral vision, and perceptual skills are equally important for school readiness and academic success.
So, why are we seeing so many kids today with visual dysfunctions?
Decrease in unstructured play/verbal interaction with family and friends? Decreased sleep? Earlier accelerated academics/schedule? Early overuse of near vision, i.e. electronic devices?

Dr. Shea Ferree Carney, Developmental Optometrist
Dr. Shea Ferree Carney graduated from the Indiana University School of Optometry with her Doctor in Optometry. She then completed 100 additional hours in specialized education for developmental Optometry including diagnosis and treatment of conditions that can be managed by vision therapy.

Julie Burke, OVT
Julie joined us in 2014, with a Bachelor of Science degree, 30+ graduate credits in Educational Psychology, and 10 years of experience as an educator. With over three years of training and experience, and a passion for vision therapy, she regularly attends workshops and conferences to keep current, continuing to learn as much as she can. She enjoys working with our wide variety of patients and engaging them in the vision therapy process.